🛂 Hiring and Immigration in China

China ready to deepen investment cooperation with Russia: vice premier

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov co-chaired the 13th China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee meeting in Vladivostok, where both sides pledged to deepen bilateral investment ties. China called for expanding cooperation in manufacturing, infrastructure, green industries, and the digital economy, while Russia promised to address concerns of Chinese enterprises. The meeting reflects continued political support for China-Russia business cooperation but does not itself create new legal obligations or concrete policy changes.

China adds Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam to 240-hour visa-free transit program

China's National Immigration Administration has added Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam to its 240-hour visa-free transit program, effective August 20, 2026, bringing the total eligible countries to 57. Citizens of these countries holding ordinary passports and onward tickets to a third country can now stay up to 10 days visa-free at any of 65 Chinese ports. Both countries were also added to Hainan Province's 30-day visa-free entry policy, expanding that program to 61 countries. The move is part of China's broader post-pandemic push to boost international tourism and business travel, while employment, study, and journalistic activities remain excluded from visa-free entry.

China's central bank adds 8 banks as digital yuan operators

The People's Bank of China has added eight banks to its list of authorized digital yuan operators, raising the total to 30. The move is designed to broaden the inclusiveness of digital yuan services and support regional SMEs and cross-border trade. The newly added banks will begin services once their technical and operational preparations are complete.

Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments Data for the First Half of 2026 — Press Conference Transcript

China's foreign exchange regulator released first-half 2026 data showing record cross-border receipts and payments of US$9.2 trillion and generally stable market conditions despite global volatility. Officials also previewed a new package of cross-border investment and financing facilitation measures — including simpler foreign-exchange procedures for foreign-invested enterprises, easier outbound capital remittances, and a nationwide green external debt pilot — but stressed these rules will take effect only after formal regulatory procedures are completed. The briefing signals continued opening of China's capital account but creates no immediate compliance obligation.

China to refine visa-free policy, streamline entry procedures for foreign visitors

China's Ministry of Public Security announced plans to refine visa-free transit and entry programs, digitize travel documents, and expand smart customs clearance. The measures aim to streamline entry for foreign visitors and support China's opening-up agenda. These changes build on recent expansions of visa-free policies that have already led to a 30% surge in visa-free entries, benefiting foreign travelers and businesses.

2026 Negative List: Service Sector Liberalization

China plans to release the 2026 Negative List for Foreign Investment, further opening service sectors including telecommunications, healthcare, and education to foreign participation. This follows the full opening of the manufacturing sector in 2024 and represents the next major milestone in China's investment liberalization roadmap.